Shure SE425-CL

Firstly, I'd like to say the sound isolation is very good. It feels like putting on a pair of earplugs! The Shure ear buds expand in your ear and almost enlarge them. You get that amazing noise isolation, but it's sometimes weird to feel my ear canal getting noticeably larger.

Secondly, the build quality is solid. The cables are detachable and feel strong though a little bulky. Some may find the over-the-ear style quite weird, but I think the cables are 'less in the way' and I like the hearing-aid look. One thing I don't like is the cable length of 1.65m long - it's almost as tall as me.

Finally, I feel that the SE425s has a distinct sound signature. It's a different character to headphones I've used in the past which have had more powerful bass. That's not to say the SE425s lack bass, but it is less prominent, more 'tight' and does not over power the mids and highs. As a result, there is a lot more clarity and differentiation can heard between various instruments, voices etc. Lossless tracks sound sublime.

Overall, a quality pair of earphones with a distinct sound. They will last a long time.

These are great in ears monitors and definitely hit the requirements for the price. However, I can't help but feel they lack a small amount of that premium feel. They are great for treble, bass isn't on the same level but is sufficient enough to be substantial.

The tips that came with these are in varying sizes and shapes but like all tips like these, not always a fit for everyone. I personally struggle with these and I have resulted in finding an alternative solution.

I have used these in ears for a year now, I am glad I bought them. They do the job I require them to do and are a good product. But if you are looking for top premium sound, these do fall just short, but for a semi professional musician like me, these definitely are a must buy.

I bought these for daily music listening, not for stage use. Well for this price I was expecting to be blown away, I was not, I had also focal sphear and Audio technica ath e50. Although these have 2 balanced armatures compared to ATH e50 I did not realise much difference. Finally ended up with Focals. The cables of these monitör earphones is thick and long, so you receive plentu of cable feedback, also you have to stick these deep into your eardrums which is ok for cutting out the noise but then you start hearing your steps thumping on th eground while you walk also you dont hear anything happening around you. Soundwise they are detailed but louder or any more dynamic than normal driven earphones. I found Focal sphears better for Daily use on Street. Conclusion is if you are a pro musician and you need stage monitors yes buy theese. If you intend to use them with your iphone on Street...Naah.. they are not comfortable or magical enough.